“When they go around and give out condoms it’s not like they create sex, it’s not like people are going to drink alcohol because you give them red cups,” he said. “Leavers is a celebration but it does not necessarily have to include alcohol.”

Insp. Hayes told the meeting of about 60 parents that alcohol was the biggest cause of problems at leavers and police would focus on prevention.

“We don’t want to lock kids up or hand out infringement notices,” he said. “We would rather engage them at an early stage to prevent the over consumption of alcohol and avoid kids getting into trouble.

“We don’t want drunk kids.”

Mr McFarlane said giving out plastic cups was a safety measure.

“First and foremost it is a safety measure, because it is plastic not glass,” he said. “If you say to leavers ‘use plastic and not glass’ they won’t, but if you provide (plastic cups) they will.”

Leavers week is the most heavily policed event in the State and police have a zero tolerance approach to underage drinking.

A no-leave policy applies to police in the South West during the week.